Layoff danger shifts to UUP, NYSCOPBA

CSEA union members may have some protection from budget-driven layoffs after Monday’s approval of their new contract, but a memo from State Operations Director Howard Glaser suggests that the hammer may be coming down on at least two other unions: United University Professions, which represents about 35,000 academic and professional employees at SUNY’s four-year campuses, and the 23,000-member NYSCOPBA, which represents prison guards.

“ … Despite repeated attempts by the State, these units have been slow to engage in negotiations and at this point in the year we think it is unlikely that layoffs can be avoided,” the memo reads in part. “We will be providing further instructions regarding reductions in affected agencies with these units in the coming days.”

The memo, which begins by praising the CSEA vote, was dated Tuesday.

If this scenario sounds familiar, it is. Barely a month ago, members of the Public Employees Federation were starting to get layoff notices amid tough contract negotiations. Those cuts were put on hold, though, once PEF President Ken Brynien announced a tentative deal, which members will vote on next month.